Accessibility and menu language

Accessible Menu Link Copy Template

Use this template to write menu buttons, QR prompts, alternate-format notices, and download links that tell people exactly what they are opening before they click.

How to use this template

Duplicate this file for each review cycle or restaurant location. Keep one clean master and one working copy with dates, owners, and approvals filled in.

What this template is for

Weak menu link copy sounds like 'Click here,' 'View PDF,' or 'Menu.' Strong menu link copy tells people whether they are opening the full menu, a lunch menu, an allergen note, a PDF, an ordering page, or an accessible alternate format.

This template is useful for website menus, QR signage, booking confirmations, profile links, printed handouts, and staff-written follow-up messages.

Plain-language link patterns

Use casePreferred link textAvoid
Full website menuView the full menuMenu / Click here
Pickup ordering pageStart a pickup orderOrder now
Printable PDFDownload the full menu PDFPDF
Allergen noteRead the allergen and cross-contact noteDietary info
First-time diner helpRead the first-order guideNew here?
QR tent cardScan to view the mobile menuScan me

Copy blocks you can reuse

  • Primary website button: View the full menu
  • Secondary website button: Start a pickup order
  • Accessibility note: If you need help reading the menu, ask staff for an accessible digital copy or spoken walkthrough.
  • QR sign copy: Scan to open the mobile menu with sections, prices, and allergen notes.
  • PDF note: Download the printable full menu PDF
  • Alternate-format note: Need a text-based version? Open the plain HTML menu

Implementation review

TouchpointCurrent labelRevised labelOwnerDone
Homepage primary button
Google Business Profile menu URL
QR card on tables
Footer menu link
Allergen page link
Delivery platform profile text

Quick quality checks

  • The reader should know the purpose of the link from the link text itself or from very nearby context.
  • If a link opens a file, say what kind of file it is.
  • If a link opens a limited menu instead of the full menu, say that explicitly.
  • If staff offer verbal menu help or an alternate format, make that visible before a customer has to ask.